Stop harassing the police for information; use courteous approach – Prof Kakari to the media

Seasoned communications scholar and Dean of Wisconsin International University College, Prof. Kwame Karikari has advised journalists to be courteous rather than pompous when seeking information from the police since officers are not obliged to give them any data.

Speaking at a Forum on Police-Media Relations and Safety of Journalists at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the Board Chairman of the Graphic Communications Group Limited stated there was the need for pressmen to be patient and civil when approaching Police officials for information.

“Use every courteous, civil method to get the information. You know that when you are gentle with people they will always oblige. But when you are haughty and you want to show that you have power, the journalist has no power honestly.” He said.

“All the journalist has are privileges, rights actually that are protected by the constitution that you can collect information and give it back to the society, and the best way to do that is to be courteous, gentle…” he added.

Prof Karikari was reacting to a statement by the Director General of Police Professional Standards Bureau, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye who noted that many journalists behave as though they are entitled to information when they are interacting with personnel from his outfit.

The goal of the forum was to highlight the need for a smooth relationship between the media and Police and also to upgrade the media on the technical know-hows during demonstrations among other situations of reportage.

Inspector General of Police, David Asante Apeatu also disclosed that a manual on effective communication with the media will soon be introduced by the Service.

The manual, he noted, is expected to serve as a guide to officers on how to deal with the media in case they come into contact with them in the line of duty.